Why London’s Speakeasies Are the Recent Saturday and sunday Must‑Do
Last Saturday nighttime, I slipped into a tiny entrance behind a laundromat in Shoreditch. Inside, the lights were low along with a bartender was mixing a gin‑based drink that tasted like a backyard in late spring. I left that night with a list of five hidden bars that I hadn’t known existed, and a up-to-date appreciation for how a city can hide its excellent secrets behind ordinary façades.
How to Spot a Real Speakeasy
Behind a stack of old vinyl records in a shop, the bar is a narrow corridor that ends in a small room with a single bar counter. The drinks are all made with local London gin, as well as the bar gives a “gin flight” that takes you through the history of the spirit. The personnel will recommend a drink based on your mood; if you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a “London Fog” and you’ll get a smoky, aromatic gin cocktail.
1. The Old Vicarage, Clerkenwell
Book ahead. Most speakeasies require a reservation or a password, plus they can fill up swiftly, especially on weekends. Bring a small ID; some places need it to verify your age. As well as recall, the excellent share of the experience is the journey: the hunt, the secret door, the first sip that confirms you’ve found a gem.
2. The Blind Pig, Covent Garden
Each bar has its own personality, but they all share a focus on craft. The bartenders are not barely servers; they’re storytellers who explain the origin of each ingredient. The atmosphere is intimate, with seating for no more than 12 the public at a time, which means you’re likely to meet someone new or catch a conversation you wouldn’t have differently. If you’re looking for a place that feels relish a secret society, these bars are the area to be.
3. The Vault, Whitechapel
Once you have the basics down, the rest tends to follow.
Entry requires a key card that you receive by booking a table online. The interior is a vaulted space with exposed brick and a low ceiling. The menu is focused on whiskey, offering a 5‑moment “whiskey tasting flight” that includes a single barrel bourbon and a single malt Scotch. The bar’s policy is to serve nothing but one drink per person per hour, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
4. The Under‑The‑Table, Notting Hill
Most of London’s speakeasies share a common recipe: a discreet entrance, a password or a basic knock, as well as a menu that focuses on craft cocktails rather than cheap drinks. In Soho, for example, a nondescript entrance in a block of flats opens to a dimly lit room where the only sign is a handwritten “Open 10‑2”. That’s the rule I followed: look for places that require a bit of effort to find and reward you with quality.
5. The Hidden Hideaway, Camden
Located beneath a laundromat, the door is a small hatch that opens to a single room lit by candles. The bartender is a former mixologist for a Michelin‑starred restaurant, plus the drinks are a blend of classic and contemporary. Their “Under‑The‑Table” cocktail is a fold in of absinthe, lemon, and a dash of bitters.
What Makes These Spots Stand Out
Found behind a wall of books in a second‑set of cards shop. The doorway is a bookcase that slides when you press the right spine.
Inside, the décor is a mash‑up of Victorian and Art Deco. The bartenders are friendly and will teach you a trick or two about muddling herbs. Their signature drink, the “Pig’s Tail”, is a gin‑based cocktail with a splash of grapefruit and a rosemary garnish.
For those who enjoy a blend of mystery and entertainment, exploring a speakeasy can feel like a mini adventure. Once the night ends, you might identify yourself craving something else that gives a similar sense of discovery. If you’re up for a different kind of thrill, you could look at doordroppers.co.uk to see what online gaming has to offer.
Planning Your Night Out
Address: 23 Vicarage Way. Entry is through a hidden back entry in a bakery that looks like it belongs on a postcard. Inside, a 1930s jazz soundtrack sets the mood. The cocktail menu lists 12 drinks; the standout is the “Baker’s Group of twelve”, a rye‑based concoction with a hint of honey along with a smoky finish. The bar serves a 10‑moment “secret menu” that you can only see if you ask for it after the bartender finishes a prompt glass of your favorite.
Final Thoughts
London’s hidden bars are more than just a trend; they’re a way to see the city from a new angle. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a night of intrigue, these speakeasies give an escape from the ordinary. Pack a compact notebook, jot down your favorite drink, and experience the thrill of discovery.